Man twice caught with cocaine in Cork had 'fallen into a rut' 

A man caught in possession of cocaine on two occasions had “fallen into a rut”, his defence solicitor claimed at a recent sitting of Clonakilty District Court.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told the court that the home of Edmond Bakaj, aged 39, of Long Quay Apartments, Clonakilty, Co Cork, was searched at 1.45pm on December 13, 2024.

Bakaj was not present, but other residents pointed out his bedroom, where white powder discovered in a locker was later confirmed to be cocaine valued at €10.

When questioned, Bakaj claimed the powder was a “painkiller”, but forensic testing confirmed that it was cocaine.

Bakaj had pleaded guilty to possession for his own use. The court heard that Bakaj had previously been caught in possession of cocaine valued at €500, on May 5, 2024.

Defence solicitor Colette McCarthy said Bakaj had “fallen into a rut” following the breakdown of a relationship. She said her client had been in Ireland for “a number of years” and he had previously worked and aimed to do so again.

She said that Bakaj looked after his children three days a week and had assured her that he was no longer using drugs.

Judge Joanne Carroll said a probation report indicated that Bakaj associated with a “negative peer group” and the report also suggested that he had not left his drug use behind him.

For the possession on May 5, 2024, he was sentenced to 70 hours of community service in lieu of four months in prison.

For the possession on December 13, 2024, he was admitted to probation bond, on condition he co-operates with the Probation Service, attends drug treatment, and avails of training or employment.

• Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme